Sri Lanka's Hathurusinghe to coach Bangladesh

Sydney: Chandika Hathurusinghe will leave his post as coach of the Sydney Thunder Twenty20 team to take up the head coaching role with Bangladesh, Cricket NSW said on Monday.

Chandika Hathurusinghe

The 45 year-old Sri Lankan, who took charge of the Thunder last season, has been offered the chance to coach at full international level, after previously being an assistant coach of the Sri Lankan side.

Hathurusinghe, who was also assistant coach of the New South Wales Sheffield Shield team, took over the acting head coach role in December 2012, when Anthony Stuart was released.

He led the NSW Blues in the second half of the 2012-13 season before being offered the head coach role with the Sydney Thunder last season.

"Obviously, we are sorry to lose someone of Chandika's ability, but it is a great opportunity for him and a great recognition of his skills and personal qualities," Cricket NSW CEO Andrew Jones said.

"He has done an outstanding job with both the NSW Blues and the Thunder, and I am delighted that his ability will be given an opportunity on a global stage."

Hathurusinghe had a positive influence on the Thunder in Australia's Big Bash League, forming a strong partnership with captain Mike Hussey and making the side competitive throughout the season.